Key takeaways

  • Texas residents have a choice between Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, with the option to add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Part D plan for extra coverage.
  • Medicare Advantage plans in Texas offer comprehensive coverage, often including prescription drugs and additional benefits, from private insurance companies, though availability can vary by county.
  • To be eligible for Medicare in Texas, you must be 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. Enrollment periods include an initial enrollment period, special enrollment periods, and an open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.

It’s made up of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare
  • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare
  • Part D, which is prescription drug coverage

You can also purchase a supplement insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

Snapshot of Medicare in Texas

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Texas for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 4,857,268 residents of Texas were enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $6.14 in 2025 to $4.35 in 2026.
  • There are 426 Medicare Advantage plans available in Texas for 2026, compared with 381 plans in 2025.
  • All Texasresidents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, including those with $0 monthly premiums.
  • In 2026, 12 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in [state], and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $0.
  • 24.14% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in Texas in 2026.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and components cover various aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. They may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Medicare Part D is also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provides coverage for prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, you can speak with your insurer to verify if you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Texas, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31 if you already have Medicare Advantage.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The following resources in Texas can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

Over 4.8 million people in Texas are enrolled in Medicare.

Several private insurance companies offer various types of Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans.

Overall, monthly premium costs have decreased for 2026 Medicare Advantage plans in Texas.